Devices for concealing and supporting refuse receptacles



3,170,587 DEVICES FOR CONCEALING AND SUPPORTING REFUE RECEPTACLES Filed Dec. 2B, 1962 H. M. BEEBER Feb. 23, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Hmm/v A1 55555K ATTORNEY Feb. 23, 1965 H. M. BEEBERv 3,170,537

DEVICES FOR CONCEALING AND SUPPORTING REFSE RECEPTCLES Filed Dec. 284, 1962 u 3 ShetS-Sheet 2 g 'A I F3I; E5

INVENTOR.

HERMAN M 55555@ ATTORNEY.

Feb. 23, 1965 H. M. BEEBER DEVICES FOR CONCEALING AND SUPPORTING REFUSE RECEIPTACLES Filed Dec. 28, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 I NVENTOR HERMA/v /V 556555 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,170,587 DEVICES FR CONCEALING AND SUPPORTING REFUSE RECEPTACLES Herman M. Beeber, 51 Beacon Hill Drive, Metuchen, NJ. Filed Dec. 28, 1962, Ser. No. 248,020 3 Claims. (Cl. 220-18) This invention relates to devices for concealing and supporting refuse receptacles such as trash cans, garbage cans, and the like.

Refuse receptacles, such as trash cans, garbage cans, and the like, when positioned outside of a residence for use or for collection purposes, present an unsightly and disagreeable spectacle which is aesthetically displeasing to the observer, and which detracts greatly from the appearance of the residence. This is particularly true when, as in many communities, it is necessary to place the refuse receptacle at the front of the residence for collection.

It is the principal object of this invention to provide devices for concealing and supporting refuse receptacles and the like on the exterior of a residence.

It is another object of the invention to provide devices for concealing and supporting refuse receptacles and the like which blend with and appear to be a part of the landscaping of the residence.

lt is still another object of the invention to provide i devices for concealing and supporting refuse receptacles -and the like which simulate shrubbery or fir trees or the like, and thus are aesthetically pleasing.

In achievement of these objects, there is provided in accordance with this invention, means for supporting and concealing refuse receptacles comprising a simulated tir tree or shrub, including structural means which conceal and support the refuse receptacle. Various embodiments of the invention are provided. In one embodiment, the device for concealing and supporting refuse receptacles is formed from a single metal blank which is bent to include a vertical panel and a horizontal refuse can supporting platform. The vertical panel is `painted to simulate a fir tree, bush or the like or, alternatively, may be provided lwith means for receiving a plurality of artificial plant elements of sprigs which cumulately simulate the foliage of a tir tree. In another embodiment, the refuse can concealing and supporting device may be formed as a hollow container which receives the refuse can on the interior thereof, and having fastened to its exterior surface artilicial sprigs which simulate the needles or foliage of a fir tree. The hollow container embodiment of the invention may be formed of wire mesh so as to be collapsible, or, alternatively, may be of rigid plastic construction. The hollow container embodiment of the invention is also provided with a removable cover having sprigs mounted on the outer surface thereof in such manner that the removable cover simulates'the upper tapered end of the fir tree. Means may also be provided which cooperate with the structure of the hollow container embodiment of the invcntion to lock the container to the ground to prevent t removal thereof.

Further objects of and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which FIGURE l is a perspective view of a residence having positioned in front thereof a refuse can support and con- FIG. 4 is aview in horizontal section along line 4--4 of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view in vertical elevation' sh pwing the. lower end of the erected device of FIG. 3, looking at the front thereof,

FIG. 6 is a view in vertical elevation, partially broken away, showing a modified form of the invention adapted to be mounted on a support such as a garage doorpor the like,

FIG. 7 is a view in 7-7 of FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 is Ia view in vertical elevation of one of a plurality of sprigs which may be used to simulate the frz-.inge or needles of a tir tree or the like,

FIG. 9 is a view in vertical section oi a modified form of the invention in which the device for concealing and supporting the refuse receptacle is a hollow container Whose exterior shape and surface simulates a fir tree or bush,

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view in horiontal section taken generally along line 10-10 of FIG. 9,

FIG. ll is a fragmentary view showing one form of wire mesh support for the foliage of the simulated tir tree of FIGS. 9 and 10,

FIG. 12 is a fragmentarv view of another fcm of wire mesh which may be used as a support for the foliage of the simulated fu' tree of FIGS. 9 and lt),

FIG. 13 is a view of a preferred form of wall structure for the container of FIGS. 9 and 10 in which thcavire mesh is impregnated with a plastic material,

FIG. 14 is an elevational view lof a still further modifier'. type-of device for concealing and supporting refuse cans in accordance with the invention,

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view in vertical section of the device of FIG. 14 showing a refuse container positioned inside the concealing container, and further showing the means for anchoring the device to the ground surface,

FIG. 16 is an exploded'view 'of the device of FIGS. l4 and 15, and

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary view in -vertical elevation showing the cover member of the refuse receptacleconvertical section taken along line V cealing device swung to an open position about a hinge withdrawn from the concealing device.

Referring now to the drawings. there is shown in FIG. 1 a private residence generally indicated at .l0 having positioncd on the exterior and in front of garage 1l thereof a device generally indicated at 12 in accordance with the invention for concealing and supportingK a refuse receptacle such as a trash or garbage can.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, inclusive, the device 12 is formed from a single metal sheet which is die stamped to form an upper vertical wall portion 1 4 which is shaped to simulate a fir tree or bush. tapering toward the upper end 16. The metal stamping also includes im mediatcly contiguous the upper vertical =wall portion t4 and separated therefrom by a bend line l7., an outer front support portion generally indicated at 18 including outwardly diverging edges 20 and 21. Immediately contiguous the outer front support portionAlS and sepa rated there from by bend lines 22 is kan inner frontsupport portion generally indicated at 24 having the same shape :ts outer front support portion i8. luncr front support portion 24 includes diverging edges 26 and 28 which meet the edges 20 and 21 of the outer front support portion 18 at the points 30 and 32, respectively. A generally ellipsoidalshaped opening 34 extends for equal distances into the outer front support portion 18 and the inner`front support portion 24,l` Immediately contiguous the inner front support portion 24 and separated 4therefrom by bend line l 36 is a platform portion generally indicated at 34. The

Patented Feb. 23, 1965 rality of elongated tongues 42 which are struck inwardly from the body of the blank to provide drainage passages for the platform 34.

The blank also includes a rear support or leg 38 immediately contiguous the lower end of platform portion 34, with respect to the view shown in FIG. 2, rear support leg 38 being separated from platform -portion 34 along a bend line 40.

As best seen in the views of FIGS. 4 and 5, the outer front support portion 18 and the inner front support portion 24 of the blank are bent along fold lines 22 so that the respective outer and inner front support portions 18 and 24 lie in doubled over relation to each other to provide a double thickness or two ply front leg support for the refuse receptacle concealing and supporting device. To secure the outer and inner front support portions 18 and 24 in assetubled doubled-over relation. the outer front support portion 18 'has a tab or tongue 41 struck from the surface thereof, this tongue engaging a slot 43 in the inner support portion 24.

The rear leg support portion 38 of the blank is bent along the bend line 40 so that the platform 34 is thereby elevated above the ground to su-pport the bottoms of refuse, receptacle or cans C.

To strengthen the structure, the peripheral edge of the platform portion 34 and of the rear leg 38 is bent downwardly along the bend line 39 to provide a flanged edge along the peripheral portions of platform 34 and of rear leg or support 38.

ln the embodiment of FIGS. l-4. the portion 14 ofthe blank. which is shaped toA simulate the shape of a fir tree, and the ottter front support portion 18 immediately contiguous portion 14. are both painted to simulate the appea rance of a fir tree or bush.

The refuse receptacle C is positioned on the upper surface of the platform portion 34 and is concealed behind the vertical front panel or wall of the device 12 formed by the fir tree simulating portion 14. The lower edges of the double thickness front support 18-24 and the rear platform support 38 may be embedded in the ground for a short distance to anchor the refuse receptacle concealing and supporting device 12vagainst movement.

There is shown in the modified embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 a refuse can concealing and supporting device generally indicated at 50 which is formed from a one 4piece flat metal blank generally similar to the metal blank described in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. l-4. 'l`lre blank is bent to include a vertical front panel 54, shaped to simulate a fir tree or other shrub, a double thickness front support 56, including dottble-folded layers 58 and 60, a horizontal platform portion 62, and a downwardly depending rear support 64. However, instead of having the outer surface of the fir-tree-simulating portion 54 of the metal blank painted to simulate a fir tree, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, inclusive, the fir-treesimulating portion S4 of the blank i-s instead provided with a plurality of vertically and horizontally extending rows of apertures 66. A plurality of sprigs similar to the sprig generally indicated at 68 in FIG. 8 are suitably secured to the vertical front `panel portion 54 so as to collectively `simulate the foliage of a fir tree. The sprigs 68 are preferably made of a suitable green-colored plastic matcrial. and each includes a stem portion andbranchcs 'having needles extending therefrom. A wire or -other suitable fastening means 70 is secured to the `stem of each sprig, the wire or other fastening means being passed through tne openings 66 to suitably secure the respective sprigs 68 to the surface of the panel portion 54 of the board in such manner that the plurality of sprigs 68 collectively simulate the foliage of a r tree.

The refuse can support and concealing -means 50 of FIGS. 6 and 7 is mounted on a garage door 72 by means of bolts 74 or the like which pass through the downwardly depending flange or leg 64 at the rear of the platform 62. In order to support the forward end of the device 50 and also to provide a rollingicontact of the device 50 with respect lo the ground surface as the garage door is moved. a roller or ball 76 isfsuitably supported at fla: lower end of a downwardly depending arm or stud 78 which is suitably secured to the vertical panel 54.

Referring now' to the embodimentshown in FIGS. 9-13, there is generally indicated at 80 a container and concealing device for a refuse receptacle. The container 80 includes a hollow mainbody 88 supported on a base 90, and a separate cover member 96 which may be either detachable or alternatively may be hinged to the main body 88 of the container. The body 88 and cover member 96 are of collapsible construction. with the wialls thereof being formed of wire mesh, such as chicken wire 82, shown in FIG. 11, or looped woven'wire mesh 84. as shown in FIG. 12. The wire mesh 82 or 84 have aperq tures therein of sufficient. size to receive fastening mcaais for sprigs 68, FIG. 8, attached to the outer surface of tlu` wire mesh. Howeverwire mesh 82 or 84 is preferably impregnated or coated with a plastic material as indicated at 86 in FIG. 13. spaced reinforcing wire hooks or filaments 87 are positioned alternately on the inner and outer surface of the plastic reinforced wire mesh, and are suitably attached to the reinforced wire mesh by staples or the'like to define pleats in the walls of the container so lhat `the reinforced wire mesh body 88 and cover member 96 can be folded or collapsed in an accordion-like manner for shipment or storage if desired. The plastic material used .for im prcgnating or coating the wire mesh should be so selected and be of such thickness that the reinforced wire mesh walls'of the body and cover members of the container 80 are sulliciently flexible to lic capable of a bellows-like collapsing movement when pressure is applied to these members in a direction extending axially of the` container. Sprigs 68 similar to those described in connection with l the embodiment of FlGS.6-`7 are suitably secttrcd to the ottter surfaces of the body 88 and cover 96 of container so that when the cover 96 is assembled on the body 88 as shown in FIG. 9, the two members 88 and 96 together simulate the appearance of a fir tree or other shrub. If wire mesh 82 or 84 as shown in FIGS. l1 and l2 is used without a plastic binder or impregnation, the sprigs 68 are secured to the mesh by wires orotherI suitable fastening means. If the container walls are formed ofthe plastic reinforced construction shown in FIG. I3. tlte sprigs 68 are suitably embedded in the plastic material.

The lower end of thc body portion 88 of the container isp-suitably attached to the outer periphery of base 88. while the upper end of the body portion 88 is attached to an annular .support ring 92.

The body portion 88 of the container may bc secured in the erected position shown in FIG. 9 with the aid of'a plurality of .circumferentially-spaced vertical rods 94, four rods 94 being shown in the illustrated embodiment. The lower ends of rods 94 are received in threaded passages in the base 88, and the upper ends of rods 94 are received in sockets or recesses in theunder surface of annular support ring 92.

The cover member 96 has an upwardiy=tapcrcd con tour and inelttdes an annular supporting ring 98 attached to `the lower end of the cover member. Ring 98 of the cover member has the satuc diameter as support ring 92 at the upper end of the body portion. 88 and rests on the upper surface of the ring 92 when the cover is closed as seen in FIG. 9. The cover 96 may be hinged or otherwise secured tothe body portion 88 to permit the cover 96 to be swung back to permit positioning or removing the refttse receptacle C, or may be detachable. as desired As a further feature. an electric lightbttlb 100 is mounted in the upper end of cover 96 and is connected to a battery and vswitch carried by the vcontainer 80 in such manner that opening of the cover 96 will cause the light 100 to be energized, while closing of cover 96 Will cause light 100 to be de-cnergized.

Circumferentially-extending axiallyy There is shown in FIGS. 14-17, inclusive, a still further modified embodiment of the invention in which the device for concealing the refuse receptacle is a hollow container formed of rigid material. The receptacle generally indicated at 110 in FIGS. 14, 15, 16,*includes a hollow body member generally indicated at 112 preferably formed of wire mesh or the like impregnated and coated with a layer of suitable plastic material which hardens to form a rigid body. The outer surface of the body 112 has a plurality of sprigs 68 extending therefrom, the sprigs 68 being anchored in the plastic material. The body 112 is of maximum diameter substantially at the midpoint of its height and tapers downwardly with a gradual taper, and then extends horizontally inwardly at the shoulder 118 to a countersunk annular neck 120 which terminates in a horizontal end portion 122. The lower end of the refuse receptacle C rests on the upper surface of horizontal shoulders 118. The lower portion 122 of the body 112 rests on the upper surface 126 of a detachable base member generally indicated at 124. Base member 124 has substantially the shape of a hollow truncated cone and has a plurality of sprigs 68 suitably attached to the outer surface thereof.

As best seen in the views of FIGS. and 16, the separate construction of the base member 124 and the container body member 112 permits the container 110 to be locked to the ground surface as will now be described. An anchor member 128 having a ring 130 at the upper end thereof is driven into the ground surface on which the container 110 is to rest, The flat upper end surface 126 of base 124 has a hole .132 therein which permits the base to be positioned over the anchor 128 in such manner that .the upper ringshaped end 130 of the anchor projects upwardly through hole 132 in base 124. The lower end` 122 of container body 112 has a hole 134 therein which is aligned with the hole 132 of base 124 so that when the container body 112 is positioned on the upper surface of` base 124, the upper ring-shaped end 130 of anchor 128 projects through hole 134 in base 122 of body member 112 into the eourttersunk 120 at the lower end of body 112. The height of the ring-shaped end 130 ofanchor 128 is' so adjusted that the end 130 will not project above the shoulder 118 at the lower end of container body 112. A lock 136 may then be .secured through the ring-shaped end 130 of anchor 128 to lock fthe body member 112 in position on base 124 so that it cannot be removed therefrom.

The container 112 also includes a cover member 115 preferably formed of plastic impregnated wire mesh to form a rigid body of tapered shape having sprigs 68 embedded in the plastic material in the same manner as described in connection with body portion 112. The cover member 115 is adapted to rest on the upper surface of the body portion 112 so that the body portion 112 and the cover 115 together simulate the appearance of a r tree or other shrubbery which it is desired to simulate. The rim of the cover member 115 and the rim of the body portion 112 may be suitably contoured to provide an interlocking engagement which aids in securing the cover 115 in position. The cover member 115 may be connected to the body portion 112 by means of a chain 138 as shown in FIG. 15, or, alternatively, may be hinged by means of a hinge 140 to the body portion 112 as shown in the view of FIG. 17.

The tapered lower portion of the body member 112 of the container 110 shown in FIGS. 14-17, inclusive,

-. permits the rigid body members 112 to be shipped in nested relation to each other. Similarly, the cover membcrs 114, due tot he fact that they are also. of tapered contour, may be shipped in nested relation to each other separate from the body members 112.

-lt can be seen from the foregoing that there are provided in accordance with this invention devices for supporting and concealing refuse containers such as trash cans, garbage cans, and the like, which will support and conceal the refuse receptacle so as to eliminate the unsightly display of the refuse receptacles outside of thc residence. Furthermore. by'eonstructing the refuse receptacle supporting and concealing device to simulate a fir tree, shrubbery, or the like. thc device blends with the landscaping in and around thc residence in a manner which is aesthetically pleasing.

While there have been shown and described particular embodiments of the invention. it willI be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modilicationsl may be made therein without departing from the invention. and therefore, it is aimed to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. Incombination, a device for concealing and supporting u refuse lreceptacle lsuch :is n trash or gnrbaiw ycan. comprising a hollow hotly member open` at the upper end thereof. a removable cortr member closing thc upper end of said body member, said bod)y member and cover member cooperating to together simulate the shape of 'a shrub when the Cover member is in place.on the body member, means for supporting a refuse receptacle on the interior of said body member, said body Imember including a countersunk region at the lower end thereof lying below the support surface l'or said refuse receptacle. an Chor means secured to the ground beneath said body member, the lower end of said body member having an aperture permitting said an :hor means to extend into the countcrsunk region at thc` lower end of said body mem ber. means for locking said anchormeans in said countersunk region to thereby hold said body member in position over said anchor means, and artificial plant elements secured to the outer surfaceof said body and cover members to simulate the foliage of a shrub.

2. 'A device for concealing and supporting a refuse rcceptacle such as a trash or garbage can, said device comprising a hollow container of wire mesh and impregnated plastic material, springs embedded in the plastic material and radiating outwardly thereform, said container inclutb ing a bulbouspbody portion with an open top, a tapered base portion and a tapered cover closing the open top, a chain fastening the cover to the body, anchor-means for fastening the base portion to the ground, and means for locking the body portion to the base portion. said body portion having a horizontally disposed shoulder' portion for supporting a trash can.

3. A device for concealing andsupporting a refuse -receptacle such as a trash or garbage can, said device com prising a hollow container of wire mesh and impregnated plastic material, sprigs embedded in the plastic material and radiating outwardly therefrom, said container in cluding a bulbous body portion with an open top, a closed neck portion, said neck portion having a central hole therein, a tapered base portion and a tapered-cover closing the open top, a chain fastening the cover to the body, anchor means for fastening the base portion to the ground, said body portion having a horizontally disposed shoulder portion for supporting a trash can, said anchor means including an elongated member round in cross section cxte nding through the hole in the closed neck portion -antl a ring on the inner end of the elongated member and a device fastened to thc ring for securing thebody portion to the base portion.

References Cited in the file of this patent. UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,259,641 Livczcy Mar. i9, 191s FOREIGN PATENTS 844,884 France May l, 1939 OTHER REFERENCES Washington Post Sunday Comic Section, Feb. 7, 1943. 

1. IN COMBINATION, A DEVICE FOR CONCEALING AND SUPPORTING A REFUSE RECEPTACLE SUCH AS A TRASH OR GARBAGE CAN, COMPRISING A HOLLOW BODY MEMBER OPEN AT THE UPPER END THEREOF, A REMOVABLE COVER MEMBER CLOSING THE UPPER END OF SAID BODY MEMBER, SAID BODY MEMBER AND COVER MEMBER COOPERATING TO TOGETHER SIMULATE THE SHAPE OF A SHRUB WHEN THE COVER MEMBER IS IN PLACE ON THE BODY MEMBER, MEANS FOR SUPPORTING A REFUSE RECEPTACLE ON THE INTERIOR OF SAID BODY MEMBER, SAID BODY MEMBER INCLUDING A COUNTERSUNK REGION AT THE LOWER END THEREOF LYING BELOW THE SUPPORT SURFACE FOR SAID REFUSE RECEPTACLE, AN- 